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Better Body Boot Camp: Rev Up Your Workout

We collected the best calorie-burning, ab-flattening, total-body toning secrets and fire-you-up tricks from top boot camp instructors to help you make over your body and drop a size fast. (No barking drill sergeant required!)

Meet Your Better-Body SWAT Team

We asked 10 of the country's best boot camp instructors to spill their playbooks for getting fit in no time flat. "Just by using your body weight, you can burn tons of calories and create moves that tone everything," says Lacey Stone, who leads BootyCamp! in New York City. Follow the team's tips here and you'll hear a different kind of whistle.

Blast Calories: Do Curls in Double Time

Move it! Move it! Strength moves help you burn 10 more calories over four sets when done lightning-quick on the lift portion, according to a study conducted at Anderson University in Indiana. Lower weights in two seconds and press up superfast for the ultimate calorie blast.

Clock In with Power Push-Ups

Get an old staple to chisel your chest and arms in a whole new way by playing with your hand placement, says Nancy Fudacz. Her clients get visible va-va-voom with this round-the-clock twist that targets your chest, arms, and core.

Get in full push-up position, with wrists under shoulders, body in line from head to heels.

Place right hand at 2 o'clock position, left hand at 8 o'clock; do 5 push-ups.

Next, place right hand at 4 o'clock, left at 10 o'clock; do 5 reps.

Last, return hands to standard position (right at 3 o'clock, left at 9 o'clock); do 10 reps.

Boost Your Butt as You Work Your Abs

Add mini-lifts as you whittle your middle for twofer benefits. "Hold a plank pose — stay in full push-up position — for 30 to 60 seconds, lifting a hand or foot off the ground every 10 seconds and squeezing your glutes for 5 seconds between lifts," says Kimae Dolan.

Keep Your Muscles Guessing

Every routine needs a good shake-up, say our pros. Do 12 to 15 reps with light weights one day, 8 to 10 reps with moderate weights another, and 6 to 8 reps with heavier ones another — scientists agree this firms better than doing the same ol' sets. Try this new ab toner from Paul Frediani: Stand holding a 5-pound dumbbell with both hands in front of you. Keeping body still, move weight from right to left 20 times; repeat.

Get Stronger, Faster

Boost strength an extra 20 percent by limbering up between sets. Target the same muscle in your stretch and your workout. For example, do 10 squats followed by a 20-second-long quad stretch.

Slow Down to Beat Belly Fat

Resist the temptation to use momentum to get you through ab moves — it allows other muscles such as hip flexors to take over for your tummy and sap sculpting potential. This slow-motion cincher from Adrienne Howell defies cheating.

Lie faceup with arms by sides, palms down.

Lift both legs straight over hips.

Take a deep breath and lower legs for 4 counts, until heels almost touch ground. Raise legs to start position in 4 counts.

Upgrade Your Yoga Routine

Whether you aim to de-stress or drip sweat in yoga, these tips will get you there faster. "To promote an inward focus, breathe solely through your nose with slow, steady breaths," says Lawrence Biscontini. Want a bigger burn? Do Sun Salutations to toast four calories per minute, about the same as a brisk walk.

Excuse-Proof Your Workout

Make a list of how being fit positively affects your life and read it before bed.

Set your cell phone or PDA with an alarm to send you motivating messages ("Endorphins on the way!") or a favorite song when it's time to get to the gym.

Tape a calendar to your mirror or fridge and check off each day you work out. Aim for at least three checks a week.

Heed the 10-Minute Rule

Forget the all-or-nothing attitude toward exercise and you may never miss a session. "When you're not in the mood to work out, tell yourself that you'll do just 10 minutes," says Jay Kerwin. "Once you get going, you'll remember why you're there and probably stick it out for a full routine."